Armageddon Notes: (A Doomsday Anthology)

By Gertie M. Talton

An intimate look into the life and acquaintances of Gertie Mae Talton, this book chronicles the events that shaped the environment, which is ever changing. Armageddon Notes is a side-by-side introspective of Biblical anecdotes that will encompass Bible doctrine as it relates to the lives of the family of Dewitt (Griffin) Talton, school activities / personnel (both high school and college personages of teachers and students), and church-related happenings of writings and people around, which many of the writings are centered. The prolific writings of 1982 entail many soul-searching details, which show a definitive change in the affairs of the life and times of Gertie Mae Talton.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503562332

Gertie M. Talton

Gertie Mae Talton is an avid Geneaologist since early 1987. A Louisiana native, she is a retired Teacher of English. Historic facts for this author include a Bachelor of Science degree in English/Library Science from Grambling State University (Grambling, Louisiana, 1964-1968), a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Houston – Downtown (Houston, Texas, 2012-2016), with matriculations at Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas, 1972), Dallas Baptist University (Dallas, Texas, 1984), Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas, 1987; 2012), Thurgood Marshall School of Law (Houston, Texas, 1987). While attending Grambling State University, Gertie Talton was a part of the following: Vice President of the C.H. Mason Club; Interim President of Lambda Iota Tau Literary Honor Society (Gamma Alma Chapter); Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, college Dean's List, a Cum Laude graduate. She has been a Staff Writer for the Gospel Truth Magazine, a subsidiary of the Dallas Full Gospel Holy Temple Church Incorporated (1978-1981); contributor to the Bible Class publication of the Full Gospel Holy Temple Church, Incorporated. Currently, Gertie Talton is a semi-retired book editor/proofreader/book transcriber -- for Prolific Quotes & Sayings (Joanne Talton-Tisdale); The Downloading of Files into the Human Psyche (Joanne Talton-Tisdale); You Thought Life (Joanne Talton-Tisdale); and Life In The Spirit (Bishop Gerald C. Moore); The Principles of the Doctrine of Christ (Bishop Gerald C. Moore), etc. Gertie Talton is the author of The Murray Transfiguration (2012) and Armageddon Notes (2015).

Book preview

Copyright © 2015 by Gertie Mae Talton.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015905925

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-5035-6231-8

                Softcover        978-1-5035-6232-5

                eBook             978-1-5035-6233-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

KJV

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Rev. date: 07/13/2015

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Table of Contents

Photograph on the Front of Book: Armageddon Notes

Photograph on the Front of Book: Armageddon Notes

Preface

January 9, 1998

A NEW Thing

A Tribute to Bishop J (Ames) NEAUL Haynes

December 27, 1997

BEYOND THE LAUGHTER

(A Poem Dedicated to Mrs. Gloria Jean (FINLEY) Jacobs)

December 15, 1997

Letter to Apostle Lobias Murray, Overseer (DECEASED)

July 18, 1997

A Gracious Woman

(An Epic Tale on Living Sanctified in the 1970’s)

June 24, 1997

Clayton Wiley’s Math!!

(A Special Tribute to Clayton Wiley – Math/Grambling State University, 1964)

May 26, 1997

THE PROPHET’S CHOICE"

(A Poem of Gratitude for Evangelist Clevetta (WILLIAMSON) Patterson)

April 23, 1997

It All ADD(s) Up!!

(A Posthumous Elegy on Mrs. ADD (ie) (ROBERTS) Payne)

April 12, 1997

The Gleaning of Dewitt (HUNTER) Talton

(Expressions of Sympathy to Verda Mae TALTON)

October 26, 1996

Refuge in a Mother’s Love

(A Special Tribute to Brenda (Hollis) Murray-Rice)

March 3, 1996

Fort Hattis-BURG: God’s Deliverance

(A Special Tribute to Calvin HATTISBURG & Alice (TALTON) HATTISBURG)

January 9, 1996

From Dawn to Sunset: God’s Precious Gift

(MY!! — Special Tribute to Mrs. Rebecca (Benson) Finley)

August 23, 1995

Letter to Mr. Robert C. James, SENIOR

August 23, 1995

THREE’S COMPANY: Why the Name JAMES Perseveres

(A Special Tribute to Robert C. James, SENIOR)

July 16, 1995

The Divine Flight of a Lady Eagle

(A Special Tribute to the Immutable Susan (BLAIR) Talton)

October 15, 1994

The JONES Persona!!

(An Honorary Vignette for Mrs. Hazel Jones — RETIRED)

October 5, 1994

McCREE!!

(An Honorarium to Mrs. Carolyn (Yvonne) P. McCree)

August 9, 1994

JESSE!! — Bethlehem’s Saviour

(A Special Tribute to Jesse TALTON, Esquire)

May 10, 1994

The Flaming Cherubim

(My Tribute – To Professor Oakland Boyce Adams, Senior)

March 10, 1994

The Exaltation of a Lonely Traveller

(An Elegy on Mrs. Olivia Branch WALKER)

January 2, 1994

The BELL of 1957

(A Dedicatory Vignette TO Mrs. Bennie Evelyn Bell)

January 23, 1993

FELIX’s FLEECE

(A Speech Parody on Felix Harris - Speech/English 1963-64)

January 1993

Miss Vera

(A Special Tribute to Mrs. Vera (Page) Cleveland - 1953-54)

December 15, 1991

The Saxon Warrior

(A Posthumous Tribute to Deacon Odell Hearn)

October 30, 1987

UNCLE DUB’s Rhetoric

(An Exaltation of the Wisdom of Finner Watt Owens)

April 21, 1987

The Eternal Farmer

(A Memorial to Mr. Willie Lee (GRIFFIN) Talton

April 5, 1987

A Saint, You Ain’t!

(A Parody on Excellence in Reading 877: Dr. Earvin Berlin Aaron)

February 9, 1987

The Celtic Warrior

(An Elegy for Freddie Charles (OWENS) Hendricks)

February 4, 1987

Dark and Lovely

(An Epic Dirge for the Prophet, Charlie Mae Richardson)

January 7, 1987

What-A-Baptists!!

(A Tribute of Lucious C. Wagner, Senior)

November 25, 1986

Will’s Choice!!

(A Birthday Tribute to Mary Jean (Scott) Sawyer)

November 18, 1986

A Song of Innocence

(A Special Tribute to Mrs. Addie B. (TAYLOR) Williams)

November 7, 1986

An Improvident Love

(An Ode to Joe Nathan Warren – From July 8, 1969)

October 21, 1986

The Strength of Friendship

(A Special Tribute to Dr. C.J.H. Dorsey, aka, Carlane Joyce Hamilton)

June 6, 1984

Laborers in the Fire

February 1984

The Walk of an Usher

1984

In Thy Favour

June 1983

Words of Faith

(My SPECIAL Tribute to Apostle and Sister Murray)

February 28, 1983

I Wish I Knew

February 22, 1983

Well Done!

February 20, 1983

The Shepherd of God’s People

February 18, 1983

A Watchman’s Sword

February 1983

The Counsel That Saves

February 1983

Triumphant and Brave

January 26, 1983

Two Ways

January 22, 1983

How?!!

January 22, 1983

According to Your Faith!

January 20, 1983

THANK YOU!! — And Well Done!

December 24, 1982

Look Again!! – Lord!

December 17, 1982

Tell It To Jesus!

December 8, 1982

In Due Time

November 28, 1982

A PREACHER’S PREACHER

(Dedicated to Evangelist Joseph Kimbrough, I)

November 27, 1982

In A Word!

November 11, 1982

Stand the Test!

November 11, 1982

Every Hour!!

(A Tribute to Evangelist Shirley Hollis Murray)

November 8, 1982

High Honor!

(A Tribute to Pastors, Apostle Lobias Murray and Evangelist Shirley Murray)

October 31, 1982

HERMAN!! — Redeemed for the Saints

(A Tribute to Herman Lobias Murray, I)

October 31, 1982

SHARON: God’s Holy Stone

(A Tribute to Sharon MURRAY Smith)

October 24, 1982

SOLD OUT!!

(A Special Tribute to Apostle Lobias Murray and His Wife, Evangelist Shirley Murray)

October 22, 1982

No Greater Love

(Why Homecoming at Dallas Full Gospel Holy Temple Is Good)

October 19, 1982

WHY??

September 26, 1982

Open Rebuke!!

September 25, 1982

Righteous Alibi

September 20, 1982

Traffic Jam!!

September 18, 1982

9:15 p.m.

Peace!! — Be Still!!

September 17, 1982

Refractions

August 24, 1982

An Anchor

(A Special Tribute to Mrs. Bennie HOLLIS Hearn)

August 24, 1982

On the Road: Melchizedek and Abraham

August 23, 1982

Faithfulness

August 22, 1982

A Summer’s Sunday

July 3¹st 1982

Zechariah! Zechariah!

(A Tribute to Gwendol Renee MURRAY Kimbrough)

June 1982

Pastor’s Appreciation

I GIVE HONOR!!

Dedicated to Apostle Lobias Murray and Evangelist Shirley Murray

1982

An Enduring Life

(A Tribute to Apostle Lobias Murray and Evangelist Shirley (Hollis) Murray)

1982

Tried By Fire – But Preserved

(A Tribute to Reverend Lobias Murray)

December 24, 1981

Sold out: Nothing Left

December 1981

They Stood!

Homecoming

October 1981

One Day at a Time

(A Tribute to Evangelist Shirley Murray)

Homecoming

October 1981

You Preached Well

(A Dedicatory Tribute for Apostle Lobias Murray)

September 24, 1981

Amazing Grace

August 8, 1981

Hold on! Hold Out!

August 2, 1981

I Promised!

July 19, 1981

Leadership Is God

1981

OPERATION SELL OUT

(Contemplations on Gertie Talton’s Commitment to God)

1981

Steadfast and Unmoveable

December 20, 1980

A Warrior of Faith

(A tribute to Mother Noby Lee Hill)

December 1980

Laboring in the Vineyard

(A Special Tribute to the Youth Service of Dallas Full Gospel Holy Temple)

February 1980

The Sword That Seals

(To Apostle Lobias Murray)

1980

Young People, Unite!

1980

You Can Do It!

November 10, 1979

Conquering for Jesus

(In Honor to Darnita (RAND) Moore)

September 1979

On The Road to Heaven!!

July 17, 1979

Though He Slay Me —!!

(A Self-Inquisition Poem of Gertie Mae Talton)

July 16, 1979

A New Day

July 9, 1979

It’s Real!

June 24, 1979

Lord, I Bless You!

June 1979

My Tribute

(For Jacqueline (WALLACE) Williams)

March 7, 1979

A Peace Offering

March 2, 1979

Walk With God

1979

The Quiet Thunder of Sister Lee

(A Special Tribute to Sister Ella Lee of Dallas FGHT)

1979

SOMEBODY!! — Named Jackie!!

(A Special Tribute to Jacqueline (WALLACE) Williams)

1979

God’s Wisdom

1979

Praise the Lord!!

1979

PEACE!!!

1979

The Quietness of God

1979

Jesus, You Are Worthy!!

1979

Thanks-Giving

1979

Life IN the Spirit

(Or a Life CONTROLLED by the Spirit)

1979

You Said It!

1979

Don’t Be Sorry — Be Sanctified!

1979

Selling Out!

1979

Trust

Bishop College

April 1979

WHY PEOPLE GO TO HELL

Bishop College 1979

Jesus Is Coming!!

Bishop College 1979

Changing?? — God Doesn’t Change!!

Bishop College 1979

I Would Live Holy, But … !

Bishop College 1979

The Unheeded Plea

(He Turned A Deaf Ear To The Words)

Bishop College 1979

Faces (At College Registration)

Bishop College 1979

No Excuse!

Bishop College

Dear God

Composed: 1976

Issued: 1978

The Holiness of God’s Love

1978

Positions Available: Do You Qualify?

1978

I Can’t Quit Now!

1978

Am I Worth It, Lord?

1978

I Bless God!

Bishop College

Registration 1978

Fair Exchange

October 1978

Honorable and Rich

(A Tribute to Evangelist Shirley Hollis Murray)

September 1978

Youth Service Program at Dallas Full Gospel Holy Temple

July Convocation 1978

THANK YOU!!

(A Special Dedication to Apostle Lobias Murray

February 1978

Fort Worth, Texas

Don’t You Give Up Now!

(Dedicated to Bro. Odell Hearn —

My New Automobile Purchase Advisor)

February 1978

Fort Worth, Texas

That’s How Good God Is!

(The Bait and Switch of New Car Repairs)

1978

Organizing the School

(Lobias Murray Christian Academy)

Tried and True: God’s Recommendation

December 1977

The Street Warrior

(A Special Tribute to the Evangelist, Reverend (Ar)-Terry Lee Benjamin)

October 7, 1977

LOVE’S LABOR

(A Tribute to Mrs. Nona Pinson – Youth Service: Dallas FGHT)

September 1977

(An Annual Tribute to the Youth Service of Dallas FGHT

Pinson’s Paradise

1977

Happy Birthday, From Jesus ‘N Me!

(A Birthday Tribute to Mrs. Linda Doss on her 20th Birthday)

Bishop College 1977

The Quarterback in my Life!

(A Poem Written by Gertie Talton on the Homework for Brother Larry Owens)

Bishop College 1977

God Can Heal!

(A Get-Well Poem for Mrs. Hazel Harvey Peace

September 14, 1976

Superfly-Turned-Saint!

(A Tribute to Charles E. Taylor)

Spring Semester, 1976

The Warrior

(Dedicated to Debbie Renai Moore, upon Completing Honor Roll Requirements)

February 27, 1976

Senior Sermons at Bishop College

1976

Rejoice in the Lord

January 7, 1975

Observations on a Winter’s Day: Staff Meeting!

(Bishop College Financial Aid Office)

1974

A SANCTIFIED LIFE

1974

The Conversion of Debbie Renai Moore

(Dedicated to Debbie Renai Moore)

Sunset High School

The Apache

(Observations of an Apache Student)

Sunset High School

Dallas, Texas

Me n’ Jesus!!

United States Civil Service

Requested by: Florence Johnson

In Appreciation to Bishop F. L. Haynes, Senior

April 30, 1967

Grambling State University

Thank You

A Pre-emptive Armageddon

December 1, 1986

The WIT of Dewitt

(A Christmas Tribute to Mr. Dewitt (Griffin) Talton)

November 29, 1986

JESS, The Just

(A Christmas Tribute to Mrs. Jessie Mae (OWENS) Talton)

August 22, 1986

1789 – Again!!

(A Tribute to George Washington [GWT] Tisdale, II)

December 21, 1985

Jo

(A Tribute to Jo Anne (TALTON) Tisdale

November 28, 1986

The HAULCY Halter Experience

(A Special Tribute to Mrs. Barbara Nell (HAULCY)-Tisdale-Braggs)

May 23, 1986

Chopper!!

(A Special Tribute to Nina (Talton) Tisdale)

April 19, 1986

Stacey’s World

(A Special GET WELL Tribute to Stacey Tisdale)

January 14, 1987

The CASHMERE Charisma

(A Sophomoric Ode for George W. TISDALE, III)

June 7, 1986

Courage

(The Legacy of Buffy Arlana TISDALE)

IN MEMORIAM

Louis Paul Metoyer

January 28, 1935 – January 12, 2010

April 30, 1986

Summer’s Gentle Rains

(A Birthday Tribute for Gloria (Glory) Jean (TALTON) Edwards-Metoyer

May 6, 1986

A Martyr’s Role

(A Tribute to Cynthia Lorraine Edwards)

IN MEMORIAM

Eddie Alexander, Senior

December 12, 1945 - July12, 2006

1997

De-Loise Alexander, The Great

(A Tribute to Deloise Talton Alexander)

August 1986

Jot ham’s Run!

(A Tribute to Sean Eric Alexander)

June 5, 1986

The Lady

(A Special Tribute for Roxanne Rochelle Alexander)

September 23, 1986

David Alexander’s ABC’s

(New Words for 5-Year Old David Harris Alexander)

November 8, 1986

The Fraulein’s Spear

(A Sardonic Dirge on Gertie Mae Talton)

December 20, 1985

DUCK TAIL SPORT!

(A Special Tribute to Joe WILL(ie) TALTON)

September 17, 1986

Leila Mae: God’s Raven of Strength

(A Tribute to Leila Mae (FINLEY) Talton)

May 24, 1986

On Eagles’ Wings

(A Special Tribute for Mary Ann Talton)

September 16, 1986

The Louisiana BELLE

(A Birthday Tribute for Janice LaShelle Talton)

September 16, 1986

8 and 4

(A Tribute to Frances LaJean Talton)

February 17, 1994

The Strength of BEAU-regard’s Name: BO’s Regards

(An Epic Poem in Honor of Anthony Dwayne TALTON)

October 24, 1994

[Hoover DAM]!! If It Ain’t — BAD STUFF!!"

(MY TRIBUTE — to Freddy (Owens) Talton, Senior)

December 18, 1985

SALLIE!!

(A Special Tribute to Mrs. Sallie Mae Traylor TALTON)

December 15, 1985

Vicky LaSHON

(A Tribute to Vicky LaShon Traylor-TALTON)

December 18, 1985

Freddy TALTON, JUNIOR!!

(A Special Tribute to Freddy (TRAYLOR) TALTON, Junior)

December 19, 1985

Reginald Eugene! — Well-Born and Proper!

(A Special Tribute to 14-Year Old Reginald Eugene TALTON)

December 15, 1985

Casandra Denise!

(A Special tribute to 11-Year Old Casandra Denise TALTON)

January 1, 1986

The Valiant Warrior

(A Special Tribute to Brandon David Rucker, ESQUIRE)

February 26, 1986

Girls!! Daughters!! Sisters!! And Mothers!!

(A Birthday Tribute to Betty Gray (TALTON) Rucker

October 27, 1986

Brown!! Black!! And Beautiful

(A Birthday Tribute to Felicia Waynette Talton)

Willis (Archie) Talton and Alma (Griffin) Talton

Willie Mae (Mason) Owens and Abie (Baylis) Owens

Appendix

Photograph on the Front of Book: Armageddon Notes

image001.jpg

Patriarch: Samuel P. Guier

Matriarch: Patty Jane (Turnage) Guier

Samuel Keith Guier

Robert Steven Guier and Paula Guier

Children of Robert and Paula:

Christian

Joshua

Adam

Gretchen

Valerie (Not Pictured)

Photograph on the Front of Book: Armageddon Notes

image003.jpg

Patriarch: Dewitt (Griffin) Talton

Matriarch: Jessie Mae (Owens) Talton

Children of Dewitt Talton and Jessie Mae Talton

Left to Right:

Gertie Mae Talton

Joanne Talton-Tisdale

Joe Willie Talton

Freddy Talton, Senior

Gloria Jean Talton-Metoyer

Betty Gray (Talton) Rucker

Deloise Talton-Alexander

Neddy Talton (Not Pictured)

Preface

I

"And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates, and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared… . AND HE GATHERED THEM TOGETHER INTO A PLACE CALLED IN THE HEBREW TONGUE, ARMAGEDDON."

(Revelation 16:12, 16)

II

"And the Lord answered me, and said, WRITE the vision, and make it plain upon tables,

that he may run that readeth it."

(Habakkuk 2:2)

III

"I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, AND HEARD behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, "(Revelation 1:10)

"Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, WRITE in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea."

(Revelation 1:11)

IV

"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, WRITE: for these words are true and faithful."

(Revelation 21:5)

V

"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge AND MAKE WAR."

(Revelation 19:11)

image005.jpg

January 9, 1998

A NEW Thing

A Tribute to Bishop J (ames) NEAUL Haynes

1. In 2nd Samuel 18:19, Ahimaaz begged Joab to let him run and carry the news.

And in the year of 1960, Abner Haynes ran, too,

But it was James NEAUL Haynes whom God would sanctify and ordain

To establish the honor of the name of Bishop F.L. Haynes.

2. But the expertise of Abner Haynes was coveted by the Oakland Raiders,

And the 23-year old Abner left North Texas State U. and the onslaught of Jim Crow sadists!

A versatile athlete and a college scholar in his own right,

Abner Haynes was not about to give up the fight –

3. And let Jim Crow ethics maintain its genocide of the Negro race.

Sometimes God brings deliverance from another place.

On September 19, 1937, Charles H. Mason yet lived,

But was there any athletic advice to Bishop F.L. Haynes that C.H. Mason could give?

4. A tradition of Holiness permeated the Haynes clan, especially in 1929.

It was a year of the Depression and disbelief! But the Bishop did not whine

As he looked at the proper child that would be born unto him.

James NEAUL!! NEWELL!! – A NEW village!! A NEW settlement!!

5. And three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines . . . !

For the Kansas City Chiefs, Abner Haynes, too, had a quick, calculating and agile mind.

But without the nurturing presence of his brother, NEAUL,

The world for Abner Haynes would be most cruel.

6. Abner Haynes was one of God’s courageous mighty men

A chief running back on the Kansas City athletic team.

But the elite and the substantial, James NEAUL

Took the time to sharpen his own mind to follow all of God’s rules.

7. When Abner Haynes bucked in the year of 1965,

The Denver Broncos finally came alive!

Still, the ever circumspect James NEAUL Haynes

Fought to remain fixed in God’s holy game.

8. God promised in Micah 7:19 to cast our sins into the depths of the sea.

Perhaps that is why Abner Haynes went to Miam-ee.

When NEAUL Haynes was flooded with Godly tribulations,

Still, the young NEAUL remained true to God’s salvation.

9. And in 1967, football with the New York Jets captivated the young Abner Haynes at last.

But, James NEAUL Haynes remained IN HOLINESS – true and steadfast.

In 1955, it was the birth of PIA Haynes and for her father, NEAUL, his 23rd year,

And God showed the young Reverend NEAUL how to persevere.

10. From football fullback to football blocking back, Abner Haynes ran from God,

But Abner’s brother NEAUL served God with an earnest heart.

Abner Haynes blocked the opponents of many football quarterbacks,

While his brother, NEAUL took up the Holiness slack.

11. Apostle Paul knew what it meant to live lean,

When church people grew hateful and bigoted and mean,

And they would refuse to reward those who freely preached.

Inside of the heart of NEAUL Haynes, a gold mine had been reached.

12. Patient and meek! Intelligent and discreet! –

Reverend NEAUL ignored the devil and continued to preach.

By 1967, even the 30-year old Abner Haynes finally knew

That Reverend NEAUL was God’s own preacher – whom no one could dispute.

13. And so God arranged a change of venue.

The Churches of God in Christ in Louisiana were struggling to re-NEW

The tenets for which Charles H. Mason had been ecclesiastically ostracized.

Holy teaching always destroys the devil’s disguise.

14. God spoke to King David and said: . . . I will build you a sure [HALL] house!

By 1969, not even the devil could make Reverend NEAUL doubt

That the calling of God FOR HIM was steadfast and sure.

The heart of Reverend NEAUL – IS!! So very pure.

15. His college-trained mind offended older Church of God in Christ ain’ts.

Yet, the God-like charisma of Reverend NEAUL strengthened him to not faint.

His meekness in God uprooted the most stubborn rebels,

As Reverend NEAUL destroyed the hidden works of the devil.

16. And the most immaculate, Miss V, the adorable Vivian Haynes,

Supported her husband, Reverend NEAUL, under each burdensome strain.

Twenty-twelve (2012) Van Cleave!! was the address which Miss V did call out,

And so, Pia Suzette and Vrai Dawn would immediately turn about

17. To obey AT CHURCH their mother’s protective command.

If only the church people at the Wheatley church did understand

The loving heart of Missionary Vivian Haynes.

She is that precious jewel of which Proverbs 31 proclaims.

18. The heart of her husband doth SAFELY trust in her!

Missionary Vivian brought to sanctification an elite splen-dor.

Her gentle heart won innumerable souls for the kingdom of God,

Even when reprobates had broken her meek and humble heart.

19. By the end of Summer 1973, my own heart was torn into.

Church people snubbed me; what could I then do?

And so, Miss V watched as bitter words were cast my way,

And she followed my trail of tears outside the church; I’ll never forget that day.

20. Miss V talked to me – one on one, outside the church.

Her heart understood my loss and my unmended hurt.

Sister Talton, I am 38 years old, she said, and I am a homebody.

Miss V was not about to let hypocrites execute malicious robbery,

21. And steal from a shy and quiet believer the anointing of God’s Spirit.

Not every mistake in life can be explained to those near us.

And so, Miss V steadied my life on that Sunday so that I could live.

It was then that I knew that Miss V was Reverend NEAUL’s special gift.

22. Miss V strengthened God’s preacher as he gave out spiritual advice.

Reverend NEAUL trusted God’s rules about a Godly wife.

When Miss V praised God and loudly shouted, Bless Him –

Not one hypocrite at the Wheatley church dared to speak again.

23. Because when God’s anointing fell on that quiet and the stately Vivian Haynes,

No one could ever question Reverend NEAUL’s pastoral claim,

To lead the Wheatley Church saints up Heaven’s turbulent road.

I thank God that Miss V was concerned about my soul.

24. It is a gracious wife who strengthens God’s earthly flock.

Not one time did Missionary Vivian Haynes think to stop

And murmur and complain about being a pastor’s wife.

Miss V was a consuming and continuous marvelous light.

25. And so Reverend NEAUL gave to me God’s omnipotent strength,

When church members abused me because I would not bend.

Reverend NEAUL WOULD ALWAYS USE God’s wisdom

When dissident rebels tried to use their own religion

26. To impeach the servant of God from the Wheatley church.

I’m glad that Reverend NEAUL loved God so very much,

Because God trusted him with my soul.

Reverend NEAUL helped every hurting saint who came in from the cold.

27. Bishop F.L. Haynes named his son NEAUL so very well.

It was a performance in prophecy that would rescue others from Hell.

NEAUL comes from NEWELL; a NEW hall.

Truly, the anointed mantle of Bishop F.L. HAYNES on his son did fall.

28. Behold I will do a NEW thing… ! says God Almighty in Isaiah 43:19.

Who but God could coincide your birth with the man who said, I HAVE A DREAM?

In 1929, it was a Depression to the eyes of the world in that year,

But, Martin and NEAUL were God’s prophecy to all men: Do Not Fear!!

29. Whether NEAUL or NEWELL or NEVILLE: God made no mistakes.

Reverend NEAUL brought NEW ideas to one of God’s keepsakes.

NEVILLE is of English-Irish origin, meaning NEW settlement.

Papa-Dad, Bishop F.L. Haynes understood what his son NEAUL would be up against.

30. Still, Reverend NEAUL, you prevailed even beyond 1977,

Laboring at your father’s side until he went to Heaven.

In your presence, I had listened, since 1969, to those bitter and angry words.

From people who grew angry because the Bishop’s prayers were heard.

31. And so GOD PROMOTED!! – You, again and again.

Thank you, Reverend NEAUL, for enduring the pain,

When angry and bigoted men tried to destroy your soul.

Because you endured, the struggle, today I am made whole.

32. And the word Bishop means the pinnacle of clergy.

Only you, Reverend NEAUL could have completed the social merger

Of church and of state; of education and religion.

You, Bishop NEAUL, taught me to endure shame and derision.

33. You showed me that a scholarly mind can honor God,

By college honors, Cum laude, Suma and Magna, you have labored so very hard.

Of Bishop F.L. Haynes, four sons do I remember:

F.L. Junior; NEAUL; Abner; and Timothy –

34. But only two HAYNES sons excelled in strength and mightily prevailed

To anchor the name of Bishop F.L. Haynes with iron nails.

Abner Haynes’ statistics are recorded for future generations,

But NEAUL Haynes became a city’s salvation.

35. Ecclesiastes 9:13 extols God’s wisdom which saves one city at a time.

Reverend NEAUL, you saved my life as you defied denominational lines.

Full Gospel Holy Temple is an offspring of Charles H. Mason,

And in 1985, Reverend NEAUL, you taught me how to be faithful,

36. As you boldly tore down religious barriers and walls.

Thank you, Reverend NEAUL, for answering God’s holy call.

When The Bishop of Haynes Chapel openly rebuked Florence for adultery in 1969,

The entire convocation had been on the decline.

37. But it took a man of prophetic vision

To encourage the Saints to not cause unholy divisions

And adulterate the words of the most high God.

Bishop F.L. Haynes did an awesome, timely preaching job!

38. After July 7, 1969 I watched your solitary walk.

My heart stood in childish awe as I listened to you talk.

Through your mind’s eye, I’ve looked into eternity,

And you, Reverend NEAUL, have transcended demonic traditions without conformity.

39. For you are a true leader whom time could not destroy.

Thank you, Bishop NEAUL, for the courage to deploy,

To strategically deactivate the devil’s traps.

James NEAUL Haynes boldly outlined the battle lines on sanctification’s map.

40. Abner Haynes was an American football halfback, running away from God.

If only Abner Haynes had blocked fully for sanctification with his whole heart.

God’s quarterback in Reverend NEAUL still prevails.

Even football skills can help preachers to not fail.

41. The football position of Abner Haynes was pivotal at the most –

Strategically designed to protect the quarterback’s post.

And Abner Haynes and Reverend NEAUL, in 1969, together were unstoppable.

Still, 1st John 2:16 -- Lust of the eyes -- can bring about senseless horrors.

42. I heard you, on your own radio broadcast, in the summer of 1985;

You preached endurance, and therefore, I have continued; I have survived!

Survived the traps and the snares and the deadliest tests.

Those church people did not know you had given me God’s best!

43. They exiled me on February 7, 1985 and they tortured me in God’s Holy name.

St. John 16:2 says TRUE saints always overcome ridicule and shame.

When church folks tried to excoriate from me the Amos syndrome,

Amos, Chapter 7 and Verse 13 tell saints to continue to preach on.

44. Your college degree soon alienated uneducated church minds,

As church people rebelled and kept lagging behind.

But God sent you!! -- to 3118 Metropolitan Street.

It was God’s promotion to you for how you labored at the Bishop’s feet.

45. The Gospel Truth Magazine of Apostle Murray announced you as a Prelate,

And so, you spoke your heart tenderly to young high school graduates.

You, Bishop NEAUL, have always been sincere and so very real,

In a time when Jim Crow gave Negroes a raw deal.

46. They never knew that I electronically recorded you.

Before July 1985, I did not know what to do.

But your radio broadcast gave me such great strength.

You did not change one iota and you taught those church people some real sense.

47. I have listened to your words from July 1985.

You taught the Full Gospel Holy Temple ministry how to survive.

And God himself knew how badly I had been treated.

Thank you, Bishop NEAUL for refusing to be unseated!

48. To be unseated by pretentious backsliders who no longer followed the voice of God.

Reverend NEAUL, God did not make a mistake when He gave you a Bishop’s job.

And so I carry your audio tape close to my heart, inside my purse.

It has sustained me against damnable envy and malicious hurts.

49. For over 50 years, you have maintained your own vocabulary, everywhere you preach.

Y’ALL AIN’T SAYING NOTHING!! -- And you meekly rebuked pastors who were falling asleep.

I BELIEVE Y’ALL GON’ WAKE UP! -- And you stirred up the most stubborn heart.

Your words still make a quick work of any devilish mob.

50. Then, on that 1985 night, you graciously acknowledged Dr. Young, a COGIC icon,

And brought him to Apostle Murray’s table; Bishop F.L. Haynes finally won.

Reverend NEAUL, you united the faith of two sanctified giants.

Thank you for refusing to be defiant!

51. And you refused to allow the resurrection of the middle wall of partition.

Only God in you could have destroyed all animosity and suspicion

Between preachers commissioned to evangelize the world.

Thank you, Reverend NEAUL, for exhibiting God’s love.

52. And so, my gratitude to you in this poem must now come

to an end.

But I will forever praise God for what you have taught me,

my friend.

If at all there is a word of prophecy in me,

Then I entreat God to give to you immortality.

53. In those times that Alexander the Coppersmith tries to resurrect,

Only know this, that God’s alarm through the gifts of the spirit is sure to detect

Any subtlety which motion detectors sometime overlook.

Thank you, Bishop James NEAUL Haynes, for following the whole BOOK.

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December 27, 1997

Saturday, 8:21 A.M.

BEYOND THE LAUGHTER

(A Poem Dedicated to Mrs. Gloria Jean (FINLEY) Jacobs)

1. Her laughter was contagious, as she communicated

God’s love,

Gloria Jean FINLEY was so loving, as meek and lowly

as a dove.

I could not understand why she became my friend,

When other people ran away from me, when I was only TEN.

2. Still, Gloria Jean FINLEY captivated the heart of a lonely child,

And that, MY FRIEND, made God Himself to smile.

You see, the Bible says that Heaven is made up of little children.

How could Gloria Jean FINLEY know that I was travelling through a dangerous wilderness?

3. But ALWAYS Gloria Jean FINLEY was at my side -- IN FARMERVILLE.

Her friendship was priceless, one which she did freely give.

Gloria Jean FINLEY treated me AS IF I were royalty.

Today, I STILL DO NOT UNDERSTAND HER LOYALTY.

4. When we played co-ed basketball in front of Cousin

Asby’s house,

Even my cousin William Junior Griffin began to pout

Because I was INSPIRED to ALWAYS excel.

One smile from Gloria Jean FINLEY let me know that quiet hearts have a story to tell.

5. And so, on that Sunday afternoon, the basketball was passed to me.

William Junior called me BOY, to make me surrender

my velocity

And though the tears ran from my eyes, I still made the

2-point hoop.

Yet, no one knew that Gloria Jean FINLEY had taught me to

not stoop.

6. Even Norris Gray FINLEY looked at me in male chauvinistic surprise,

Because I was still able to score 2 point, even with tears in

my eyes.

William Junior Griffin could have stunted my growth that day,

If the smile of Gloria Jean FINLEY had not turned my

heartache away.

7. Each time that the basketball was passed to me, William Junior called me BOY! out loud!

But I took THE SHOT anyhow; it was 2 points more FOR ME before an angry crowd.

As William Junior Griffin tried to make me accept defeat at playing co-ed basketball,

The smile of Gloria Jean FINLEY would say to me: GIVE IT YOUR ALL!

8. Her laughter was FULL of sincerity, but her anger could exceed the atomic bomb.

But Gloria Jean FINLEY TAUGHT ME!! -- That I did not have to exist under a man’s thumb.

And so the school’s summer vacation came and we all played baseball -- IN THE PASTURE

This time, Norris Gray WANTED TO TEACH ME that I could not be a sports master.

9. And so Norris Gray’s pop fly ball to the outfield assured him a homerun

Until Norris Gray saw me positioned to catch the ball— was I that dumb,

To think that I could EXCEL in two sports that were meant FOR MEN ONLY?

No one will ever understand the power of Gloria Jean FINLEY’s smiling thunder!

10. With confidence, Norris Gray ran to FIRST BASE, trotting in masterful superiority

He was so sure that THE GIRLS IN THE OUTFIELD were controlled by gender inferiority.

But I could not let the community boys steal the hope of females who served at the men’s feet.

I ran for the flying ball, while Norris Gray’s ego refused to be beat.

11. And so Norris Gray WATCHED ME, with egotistical pity in his eyes.

He left FIRST BASE with confidence; but Gertie Talton was not to be jived!

The song of Popeye the Sailor Man always rang loudly in my ears.

I CAN DO ANYTHING THAT YOU DO! -- And suddenly, I had no fear!

12. As the baseball DESCENDED from the air, Norris Gray stopped to watch.

It was the strength of Gloria Jean’s smile which made me refuse to stop.

The other females IN THE FIELD had long since given up; Norris Gray was superior!

But I had to be able to look at my own self in the mirror.

13. I KNEW!! -- That my cousin, William Junior would call me names,

But I could not let Gloria Jean FINLEY down; I would endure the shame.

I CAUGHT THE BALL!! -- Norris Gray was very surprised!

I was a female! WHY COULDN’T I LET NORRIS GRAY WIN THE PRIZE?

14. In the Winter, I played basketball, and the boys wanted me to go away.

In the Summer, the smile of Gloria Jean FINLEY taught me to say

That, even though God made the man ADAM first, before Eve,

It was wrong for me to give in and to concede

15. And let the men of my community think that women are dumber than dirt!

SORRY, NORRIS GRAY!! -- God’s plan of salvation does not require me to lose my shirt"!

And so, I did not understand when Gloria Jean FINLEY took the time to visit me.

We were just teenagers; but she was looking out for her posterity—

16. To the day when she would leave three (3) children alone in the world.

Can you believe THAT GLORIA JEAN FINLEY PROPHESIED TO ME when I was a girl?

Gloria Jean FINLEY went to MICHIGAN, and I took a job in Dallas;

Childhood memories seemed to fade as we each gained a higher social status.

17. And it seemed that 1964 was the end of a heavenly friendship.

I left the Eastside School, still shy and lonely and painfully a misfit.

I was then 17 years old and I was left alone to travel the college grounds.

I had no one THERE to guide me through the many traps that I found.

18. It was a year that INNOCENCE was ridiculed and chastity was a big joke.

BUT I REMEMBERED!! -- The sincerity of which Gloria Jean’s smile spoke.

And for four (4) year I FOUND THE STRENGTH to avoid hypocrisy and damnable envy.

The loyalty of Gloria Jean FINLEY did secretly guide me.

19. NOT ONCE!! -- did Gloria Jean FINLEY ever grow tired and become bored

Because I was so shy and so quiet and so bashful to the core.

Gloria Jean FINLEY just kept right on coming to my mother’s house.

The loyalty of Gloria Jean FINLEY kept me strong even when she knew what I was all about.

20. We all called her father, ASBY Finley, Cousin; it was just tradition!

Somehow, Gloria Jean FINLEY was closer to me than all of Will Owens’ grandchildren.

In 1947, Will Owens HAD: Mary Jean, Gertie Mae, Woodie, Aline, and Charles Ray;

But my cousins had their own lives and friends with which to play.

21. It made me nervous that Gloria Jean FINLEY paid so much attention to me.

But I had watched my cousins ignore me shamelessly.

Each time that Gloria Jean FINLEY tried to be my friend,

That was one more empty spot in my heart that she did mend.

22. I HEARD THAT SHE WAS SICK -- in 1994;

The news was meant for gossip; but God did wisely give me self-control.

The gossipper was angry that I called to Michigan for Gloria Jean.

But I did not think of social manners; I had a friendship to redeem.

23. And so we talked across the miles by telephone -- Gloria Jean FINLEY and I.

Her LAUGHTER was still so strong and so vital!! -- Why did she have to die?

On January 1, 1996, by telephone, Gloria Jean FINLEY TALKED TO ME.

Even in her sadness, Gloria Jean FINLEY still held on to her loyalty.

24. Her mother, REBECCA FINLEY, had passed away; that was too much sorrow.

Still, Gloria Jean FINLEY gave TO ME hope of a better tomorrow.

It was the loyalty that REBECCA FINLEY had taught

That Gloria Jean FINLEY had always nurtured and brought

25. To a shy and lonely and bashful TALTON child so young.

Only a wise and all-knowing God could have given TO ME a friend so strong.

One last time in February 1997, Gloria Jean FINLEY talked to me across the miles.

My oldest friend, FINNER OWENS, had gone away; Gloria Jean SHARED another smile.

26. And so I BECAME ANGRY in 1997, on Monday, December the First!

I was told that Gloria Jean FINLEY had died; how could life get any worse?

I was angry!! -- AT Gloria Jean -- because she left me without saying good-bye

Who would remain A CONSTANT FRIEND whenever I would be ridiculed for being sanctified?

27. I was angry that the HOPE of Gloria Jean FINLEY faded with her remission

Because she HAD CONVINCED ME that her future was sealed when she spoke to God and God listened.

BUT GOD DOES NOT MAKE ANY MISTAKES; I am sure of that.

Why God took Gloria Jean FINLEY in 1997, is as mysterious as me holding a baseball bat.

28. Gloria Jean FINLEY showed me HOW TO SMILE when the odds are against me.

And so in 1964, Grambling College students were unable to CONVINCE ME

That small town morality is just some big joke.

I guess that is why so many college men took a hike whenever I spoke!

29. In November 1966, Robert Williams bedded another woman; he did not understand me,

But Gloria Jean FINLEY prepared me for those days when people would seek to ban me

Because I wanted to live chaste and SANCTIFIED.

I am so very sorry that Gloria Jean FINLEY died!

30. Gloria Jean FINLEY never pushed me back to the corner of the shelf.

It is God’s MIRACLE of friendship that caused me to have confidence in myself.

AND THERE IS A FRIEND THAT STICKETH CLOSER THAN A BROTHER!

Proverbs 18:24 has helped my soul through many heartaches and troubles.

31. I do not know of the LEGACY which Gloria Jean FINLEY left to you.

I DO KNOW!! -- That her friendship for me always remained TRUE.

I had not seen her for 30 years; was that a true FRIENDSHIP?

But each time that she and I talked by telephone -- in sad